Súbele

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When we listen around Chicago's music scene, one thing that's abundantly clear is the diversity. We can hear psychedelic cumbia; we can find reggae tinged, jazzy ska; and we can discover something called metal-eastern...

We can also find some Latin disco-funk setting the tone for tight spoken word or hip-hop lyrics. If you're out and about and find yourself in front of a group of cats taking you on a disco infused, funky expedition through the doors of reality on life's s-curves that are characterized by loving and living, you just might be getting a dose of Súbele. I first met the guys while checking out Oakland's DJ Stepwise in Pilsen a few months back. I liked their vibe and decided to see if they'd be interested in an interview. They agreed and invited me over to poet and lyricist Jon Athan's Rockstar Barber Shop to hang out for the evening. It's a vibrant space that doubles as a tattoo parlor and triples as a gallery. Just the spot to get a good music conversation going — so, we threw on that ¡ESSO! brilliance and had at it.

This is what happened...

~Inception~

Rik
The project started with me, Johnny, Luis and Sam...we were all jamming in my living room coming up with random ideas that we all had. Everyone had their own ideas and then eventually we were like, "We gotta make a band. We have to find the last members. We need a singer; we need a drummer." So we started looking around for that. We met Reggie in late June; I hit up one of my close friends, a musician, and I'm like, "We need to find a drum player that's awesome, that's open minded, and not on some BS".

Reggie
And he was like, "Well, he can play bass..."

Rik
(Laughing) Yeah! He was like, "Call this dude up. He can play bass; he's a bad-ass bass player." That's how I met Reginald.

Reggie
It was interesting, because we talked on the phone and we messaged, but when I met him in person, I realized that we had met 2 years earlier.

Rik
Oh yeah, we had performed before, too. So, it's like a "small world" kind of thing but we never worked with each other before. 

~The Súbele sound~

Sam:
It's Chicago Latin dance disco rap.

Luis
It's got a groovy touch with hints of Latin, hip-hop...music that you're familiar with growing up in Chicago. Going to high school here in Chicago, typically you'll listen to hip-hop, juke, bachata, salsa. Growing up in a Latino household, you've got merengue, reggaeton; hint's of everything. We want to be a band that everyone can relate. For example, guys will say, "Hey, this band's playing juke." And we're into juke because it's that...it's part of that Chicago party scene. Then when it comes to the traditional Latin, (at home) you have bachata, merengue; and when you're with your friends, it's hip-hop, reggaeton, house...

Reggie
Yeah, that Latin influence is definitely there, but I think it's more about just being fans of the music. We don't really care about one genre, just that it's good music regardless. It all get's thrown in. So, we have this Latin aspect that's really accessible because there's so much else in there that someone can grab onto.

Luis
It's like when you go to college and you meet people from a different culture; you meet a Caucasian, or an African American — you can share, you know. But you have to have something in common. That's how I think it works for us.

~On expanding the Súbele sound~

Rik
Oh yeah. Definitely. 

Sam: We always welcome new instruments.

Luis
Especially some percussion.

Rik
We want to add some more languages, too. A trumpet — singers, too.

Luis
Yeah! We want to add some female singers, too.

~What we can expect from a live show~

Jon
For sure, fans should expect versatility in music; different Spanish music. No matter what, they're going to be presented with an opportunity to move and dance. Whether it be something a little bit slower like Mango Kisses — where the idea is to jive and maybe get close to your woman, or something. Or you're gonna dance some merengue or bachata; and it's not anything that has to do with anybody's ethnic make-up, or anything — it's just dance music. And that's one thing you'll always get from us is dance, dance, dance.

 

~On the uniqueness of the Súbele sound~

Sam:
Our tone.

Reggie
I think how it all comes together. Nobody says a song needs to be like this, or we need to hit this or this to be a Súbele song. It's like, "Alright everybody...does it sound good? Okay; let's do it." Whatever sticks, sticks; and that's what I really like a lot: there is no boundaries.

Rik
Yeah...there's not a lot of arguing. It's like, "Hey, check this out. It's in this key." And then Reggie's like, "Alright..." And then Jon will read a poem over it. And then, it's like, "Let's do it again!"

Reggie
That's how we ended up with the juke at the end to Mango Kisses. We said, "What would happen if we did this..." Now it happens every time.

Rik
It really goes back to us being music nerds.

Reggie
Yeah, we all really like everything and it makes it so we're not stuck in a rut that says we have to do a, b & c.

 

~On their lyrical elements~

Jon
I can only talk about the lyrics that I write, but I notice themes in Luis's lyrics and I think that our overall goal as far as what we write is to tell a story of our lives without saying we're urban; or we're Mexican. I think Love is a major theme. The idea that we are living in an environment where we are somewhat limited to what we can or can not do, or how we can express ourselves — pushing that boundary. I would say I always have the intention of sneaking in some drug innuendos into my lyrics. I don't want to ever make it a complete obvious statement — you know, let's get high or let's take a trip, but — I really want it to be something that, when somebody's smoking some bud, or tripping on acid or something — they are going to get the message that's behind the words. There's always some degree to how you are going to understand something. I feel like me and Luis are like a song-writing team where I present pieces, then he comes in and fills in the gaps. And I'm over here trying to be Mr. Mystical, Mr. Metaphorical...

Rik
(Jumping in, motioning to Luis) And then we have Romeo Santos Jr. I don't know if you're familiar with Romero Santos Jr., but he's a bachata king. It's all romantic about a girl; wanting a girl. So, Luis is our Romeo Santos Jr. and we have our Jim Morrison (at Jon).

Luis
(Laughing) Exactly, that's exactly...

Rik
Jaime Morrison! (Everybody erupts in laughter)

Jon
(Smirking) I'm trying to appeal to the English majors, you know, the bohemians — and he's appealing to, "I love you. You love me. And, let's be teenagers in love."

Luis
...and let's party; or something. (Jon nods) For example, my music...

Rik
Loving & living. That's...

Luis
...yeah. Loving and living — and let's party. (Rik giggles) And, dancing!

Reggie
Yeah, there's a simplicity to it, but it's endearing at the same time.

~On the difference between an artist and a musician~

Reggie
I think it depends on the boundaries you set for yourself. I've met a lot of so-called "musicians" that are great at playing other people's songs or great at site reading. I think that when you're an artist, you're open to so much more and your creativity is probably on another level. Even if your technical ability, or your theory — however you want to say it — even though it isn't above the moon and the stars, it's like, you have something inside of you that you want to get out and share with other people.

Rik
That's a good way to put it.

Jon
Can I add a perspective?

Rik
(Joking) No. Noo, Jon!

(We all laugh)

Jon
If I don't feel like I need to, I'm never gonna ask. But, I feel like I'm an artist who wants to be a musician. I'm not a musician because I don't know how to play an instrument. And even though I've taken music classes and I have pulled of music in the past, it's not something I've been able to retain. However, I do feel like I'm an artist and I totally agree with Reggie: The artist is a creator. The musician makes music, and can reproduce music, and at one point or another can and will create. I think that's an inevitability that, if you are a musician, eventually, as long as you continue, you will be an artist and you will create. But I, from the writer's perspective, feel that I needed music for my words and I couldn't add that element to what I wanted to do, and that yearning, and that overwhelming, pouring over desire to express yourself and to let that story be told was so strong —  I feel like that's what put me in a place to call these guys my partners in this project — because I'm not a musician. I'm a writer; I'm an artist — that's trying to be a musician.

~On benefit performances~

Rik
Yeah, our first was a not-for-profit in South Shore. Chuy Garcia was the main speaker that night. We were super-excited to meet him. I think we all feel it's good to be involved in something. We're able to offer our music as entertainment for these types of events and we get to meet really cool people, too. Let's see, we did one in Back of the Yards for the Dreamers and Allied Runs Scholarship. The next one is for USHLI — that's gonna be huge. We're really excited to be a part of it. It was our music that got us in there; something about our music draws people to us.

Luis
These events, they're not meant...(thinking) Well, of course you can have fun at benefit events. But at the same time it's like, "Oh. It's a benefit because someone did this." Or, "this happened." You're like, "Oh, dang. I'll go and just pretend like it's not a funeral." You know?

Rik
(Laughing) What? What are you saying...

Reggie
(jokingly clapping) What the hell?

Jon
I wanna cry now.

Luis
No, no...(smiling, completing his thought) but at the same time, when they invite us, of course we're like, "Yeah! We'll help you guys out!" And when they hear our music, it's kinda like that pain reliever. People forget what the event is about — you know?

Rik
Reg, what do you think about it?

Reggie
I like it. I'm pretty new to this scene. I'm from the traditional, "playing clubs" scene. This is really awesome because everybody wins. The band gets to perform for a lot of people that want to be there. It's for a good cause and people are there to be entertained as opposed to where I come from where it's like, you play a club and you have to practically trick people in order to come to your shows so the promoter can make a lot of money and the bar can sell a lot of booze to people and it's like — totally different.

Rik
Yeah, that's something I wanted to focus on with this band — it's more mature. We love it and we gonna keep doing it.

Luis
Yep. Giving to the community, you know?

~On getting people into venues~

Sam: Being persistent.

Reggie
Being in the community is a big thing. Everybody in the band is known, in a sense, through this connection or that connection. But being part of the community and doing things for the community — like I was saying — everybody wins. Everybody gets what they need out of it and then, once you want to do more non-profit things, you already have a wave to ride. Instead of — "please listen to my demo; please come to my show; please give me a chance" — you're earning your chance by being in the community that you are from. That's really rewarding. 

Rik
We all have our network of people; like Reggie says.

Reggie
(To Jon) Yeah, specifically like you. You're providing a service to the community with your barber shop — people know you from that. Then they find out you're in a group and they come to support you for that.

Rik
(Impressed) Yeah...

Reggie
So, like, they know you from that angle.

Jon
I don't think we have a problem getting people in venues because we are genuine people. Everybody here has matched up in their fields and their environment. We all have a genuine network of people who are not counting on our "greatness" or our overt abilities. They are counting on our accountability; they are counting on our consistency; they are counting on the fact that we deliver the things we say we are going to deliver. I can say that about Rik, I can say that about Luis...I can say that I'm a member of this community and I have a genuine interest in making sure people can count on me in every aspect. So yeah, I think that's how we build rapport: by continuing our consistency with each other and everyone we work with.

~In 3 years~

Sam: If Súbele is a row boat heading for Treasure Island, I will be there rowing through the hardest waves. If we make it there or not — doesn't matter, as long as I tried.

Rik
Hopefully touring.

Luis
West Coast; Latin America; hopefully working with some well known, underground artists.

Jon
I see us recording our 2nd album in 3 years. I see us definitely hitting up South America, man. The U.S. got ranked 2nd biggest Spanish speaking population in the world. So, from a cultural perspective, I can't help but to consider myself part of the Latin American arts community. Even though I do have an English fluency, and I do have the ability to read and write in English, my native tongue is Spanish. I can't help but see us somewhere in Bogotá, or somewhere in Lima, or somewhere in Brasilia doing a show out there with South American bands, and just being at that level. It'd be dope if someday, somebody says, "Soda Stereo & Súbele"; or "Caifanes & Súbele"...

Nuestro Ruido
Los Amigos Invisibles & Súbele...

(Everyone gets excited)

Rik
Get signed to Gozadera!

Reggie
I think the U.N is gonna mandate we all get vasectomies. (More laughter erupts) In 3 years, after all this touring in South America — "The population has tripled..."

~Street team | fan club~

Sam: The band is the Street Team. I'm not sure about a fan club.

Reggie
It's getting there. We're still pretty new, we don't even have an EP out but once we do, that stuff will start coming naturally because it's going to be a necessity. I think, for now the networking is really taking care of itself because these guys are always out and about going to the Punch House, or whatever's in the area, you guys are out and being just being friendly with people. And that's enough for the time being.

Jon
I think the one thing that's definitely developing is a production team of members of Súbele who aren't band members, but who are part of the overall project and part of the overall plan that includes the social media; the videos; the recordings. As far as a Street Team of people — I recognize those people who are showing their support & love by continuously, on a consecutive basis, coming to our shows.

Rik
They're out there.

Súbele performs for the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute today, and through the weekend. If you can't make the conference, keep your eyes & ears peeled — this won't be the last you hear of these cats.

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The Artists

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Photography by Rik Vale

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Rik
Guitar

Personal Quote:
"Live & learn; repeat as necessary."

Favorite artist of the instrument you play:
Jeff Beck

If you were to take on a new instrument, what would it be?
DJ set-up

Favorite genre other than the one you play:
Instrumental Guitar

Favorite dish from another country:
Sushi

A country you've not visited but would like to:
Japan

Favorite Chicago band:
They are all special to me. Chicago is full of talent.

Favorite quote:
"Everyone's got a plan until they get punched in the mouth."
~Mike Tyson
 

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Sam
Bass

Personal Quote:
"I'm a man of few words."

Favorite artist of the instrument you play:
Jaco Pastorius

Favorite genre other than the one you play:
Swing

Favorite dish from another country:
Sushi

A country you've not visited but would like to:
Japan

Favorite thing to give:
Honesty

Favorite Quote:
"Heed these words, you who wish to probe the depths of nature: If you do not find in yourself that which you seek, neither will you find it outside. In you is hidden the treasure of treasures. Know Thyself, and you will know the Universe and the Gods.
~Oracle of Delphi
 

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Reggie
Drums

Personal Quote:
"Look what you done did."

Favorite artist of the instrument you play:
Dave Grohl

If you were to take on a new instrument, what would it be?
Keyboard

Favorite genre other than the one you play:
Jazz Fusion

Favorite dish that's from another country:
Chicken Tikka Masala

A country you've not visited but would like to:
An E.U. RV trip

Favorite Chicago Restaurant:
Hella's Gyro's

Favorite Chicago band:
Tusker

Favorite benefit Organization:
Tree House

Favorite thing to give:
My time

Favorite Quote:
"If you are afraid of being lonely, don't try to be right."
~Jules Renard

 

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Luis
Keys
Vocals

Personal Quote:
"Life is short so súbeleeee!"

Favorite artist of the instrument you play:
Charlie Palmieri

If you were to take on another instrument, what would it be?
Jarana

Favorite genre other than the one you play:
EDM

Favorite dish from another country:
Indian Chicken Curry

A country you've not visited but would like to:
Romania

Favorite Chicago Restaurant
Lou Malnatti's

Favorite Chicago Band
Alacranes Musical

Favorite thing to give
Good music vibes

Favorite quote:
"La Vida es una canción."
~Sai Baba Sathya

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Jon
Spoken Word
Vocals

Personal Quote:
"Happy for all particular reasons."

Favorite Artist of the instrument you play:
Emcee Sick Jacken

If you were to take on a new instrument, what would it be:
As we speak, acoustic bass

Favorite genre other than the one you play:
Regional Mexican

Favorite dish from another country:
Mediterranean

A country you've not visited but would like to:
Japan

Favorite Chicago restaurant:
La Internacional Best Tacos

Favorite Chicago band:
Banda Lamento Show de Durango

Favorite benefit organization:
The United States Hispanic Leadership Institute

Favorite thing to give:
Haircuts

Favorite Quote:
"In a society that profits from your self-doubt, liking yourself is a rebellious act."
~Caroline Caldwell